Haley Corridor Hosts Progressive Party

“Join Carr Winery and more than a dozen other Haley Corridor wineries, breweries, and retailers for a moving party on June 15.

A decade ago, they tried SoCo, for “South of Cota.” Then came the Lagoon District, for the dried up lagoon that gave Laguna Street it’s name. And now, this warehouse-laden neighborhood to the east of downtown is coalescing under the name “Haley Corridor” when more than a dozen business owners throw a moving party at their tasting rooms, breweries, and retailers this Saturday, June 15, 5-9 p.m.

To me, “Haley Corridor” rings with enough existing identity and meaning that it might stick, as Haley Street is the dominant cultural hub in those parts, which also include stretches of Salsipuedes and Quarantina streets. But naming the area is the last thing on organizer Ryan Carr’s mind, as he’s just trying to stir up attention for the now-bustling area, once known more for prostitutes and petty crime than pours of pinot noir and pressed juices.

“We aren’t trying to define an area and call it Haley Corridor,” said Carr, who moved his winery and tasting room from the Funk Zone to Salsipuedes Street in 2007. “We just wanted to highlight the fact that it’s not just a one-way street that gets you from State to Milpas or the freeway. It’s become a really nice retail thoroughfare.”

For $35, participants get a wristband and a map to 15 establishments, each of which are serving drinks and/or food. Carr Winery, for instance, is serving a flight of three wines, or a glass of one of them. Telegraph Brewing next door is doing the same with beer. There’s an empanada sampling at Buena Onda, and pairings at both Uncorked and Au Juice, which will be pouring their juice alongside bites. Twenty-Four Blackbirds is offering tours of its indoor cacao and vanilla farm, plus tastes of its newest chocolates. Keefrider Custom Furniture will do a demo and auction off a coffee table.

The Mill at Haley and Laguna is also involved: wine at Potek, beer at Third Window, and non-alc bevvies at Millworks, where you can browse their wares. Additional participants include Pure Order Brewing, Rose Café, Catherine Gee, and the new Cajé coffee shop.

“I just wanted to bring a little more attention to Haley,” said Carr.

Tickets, which you’ll pick up either at Potek or Carr depending on your last name, are on sale at nightout.com.”